What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Propanediol
Solvent
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Beheneth-5
EmulsifyingBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate
Emulsifying
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Dextran
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Behentrimonium Chloride
Preservative
Sucrose Laurate
Emollient
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Caprylyl Methicone, Glycerin, Beheneth-5, Behenyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Bisabolol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dextran, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 20, Retinol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Sucrose Laurate, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Propanediol
Solvent
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Sorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSqualane
Emollient
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Caramel
Cosmetic ColorantDisodium EDTA
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Brassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCholesterol
Emollient
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Ceteth-3
EmulsifyingCeteth-5
EmulsifyingAluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingArnica Montana Flower Extract
Masking
Hedera Helix Extract
AntimicrobialMalva Sylvestris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSambucus Nigra Flower Extract
RefreshingVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Chitosan
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Beeswax, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Propanediol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dimethicone, Sorbitan Stearate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Niacinamide, Carbomer, Squalane, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Polyacrylate, Adenosine, Caramel, Disodium EDTA, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polysorbate 20, Retinol, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Ceramide NP, CI 19140, Cholesterol, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Ceteth-3, Ceteth-5, Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Hedera Helix Extract, Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chitosan, Caprylyl Glycol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hyaluronic Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolThis ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPolysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolRetinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
